Indonesian Ferry Catches Fire, Dozens Jump Overboard

Midday on July 20, the KM Barcelona V‑A ferry was making its routine journey between Melonguane and Manado when a fire erupted on board.

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the stern, prompting a catastrophic scramble. Passengers, many in life jackets, were forced to jump into the sea as the inferno consumed the lower decks.

Rescue at Sea

Rescue crews, including three Coast Guard vessels and local fishing boats, responded quickly. Despite initial reports accounting for 280 people on board, efforts uncovered that many more were present—around 575 in total. Rescuers plucked passengers from choppy waters, including a 2‑month‑old baby found with water in its lungs, and rushed them to safety, now in stable condition.

Lives Lost Amid the Flames

Tragically, at least three people—including a pregnant woman—lost their lives. The cause of these deaths isn’t fully clear, but survivors described a harrowing scene: flames, smoke, and frantic cries for help as people jumped into the sea, some clinging to children or floating beside colleagues. Two individuals remain missing, and operations continue to find them.

Overcrowding and Chaos

Early accounts reveal that the ferry was severely overcrowded. Initial records listed just 280 passengers, but nearly double that number was found aboard. This mismatch reflects long-standing safety issues in Indonesia’s ferry system, where overloading and lax enforcement are common. The lack of accurate manifests complicated rescue and recovery efforts.

Witnesses Describe the Horror

One passenger survived nearly an hour in the water before climbing onto a rescue boat. Others shared dramatic live footage of passengers leaping into the sea, some clutching children. The nightmarish scenes show people paddling for their lives as fire raged behind them. Fishermen and coast guard crews brought survivors aboard one by one, working in tandem to contain the chaos.

Investigations Underway

Official inquiries have begun into the fire’s origin and the ferry’s boarding practices. Authorities are reviewing safety protocols, ship capacity, and emergency training. The cause of the blaze remains unconfirmed, and ships are being questioned over why so many passengers remained unlisted. Meanwhile, search teams continue looking for the missing.

A Pattern of Maritime Disaster

Indonesia’s waters have seen repeated ferry tragedies this summer. Just weeks earlier, another vessel sank near Bali, leaving numerous dead and others missing. The most recent fire adds to a grim pattern highlighting safety flaws and tragic outcomes—reminding authorities and travelers that these routes carry real risks.

You might also want to read: Devoted Mom Stabbed to Death in Front of Her Five Children